In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. They left the house, at half past nine...The smallest one was Madeline.” Ludwig Bemelmans, “Madeline”

The Madeline stories are beloved children’s classics. Kids from around the world have marveled at the art, heart and humor of Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline stories in books, cartoons and films. The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone will present “Madeline’s Christmas” for school groups throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas and on Saturday mornings through Dec. 19. The popularity of the stories is evident in that all Saturday performances, but a 9 a.m. show on Dec. 19, are sold out. There is a possibility that more shows will be added and the theatre will work with parents in trying to fit kids into performances for school groups.

Madeline is a delightful character surrounded by many good friends at a boarding school in France under the instruction of Miss Clavel. The girls in the cast are all from the surrounding area. They are thrilled to be a part of what artistic director Mark Smith and executive producer Bethany Hayes Smith state is the biggest children’s production the theatre has ever done.

“It certainly has the biggest production value,” said Hayes Smith. Her husband added that “Madeline’s Christmas” features design work based on the illustrations from the book, with large set pieces, and even the cast members are blown away. One girl said that it felt like they were inside the story.

Madeline is a spunky girl and each of the girls she attends school with has a distinct personality. The cast believes that children will appreciate the humor of the characters, the music and also the magic that plays a large part of the story. The girls all visit the zoo in “Madeline’s Christmas,” but all of them, except Madeline, get sick right before the holiday. Madeline takes care of her friends and, thanks to the help of a magician, they all get to visit their families.

The rehearsal schedule has been demanding, but the girls, all good students are keeping up with their work and impressing their directors and fellow cast members with their dedication and professionalism and the way they support each other.

One of the girls in the show stated that being around the group of like-minded girls was the best part of doing “Madeline’s Christmas.” It was clear that they had all formed real friendships.

The entire cast and crew of “Madeline’s Christmas” agree that the show is fun for all ages, boys and girls. Saturday performances start this weekend and the cast will also perform at Peachtree City’s Hometown Holiday tomorrow evening.

For more information, visit www.thelegacytheatre.org or phone 404-895-1473.

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